In a statement, Volvo Group said the truck was welcomed at The National Arboretum in Canberra on Tuesday by Police and Emergency Services Mick Gentleman, and Volvo Group’s vice-president Emerging Technology, Paul Illmer.

The journey by the FH Electric aims to highlight the possibilities of zero emissions interstate freight whilst transporting another Volvo Trucks Electric cab chassis.

The trio will coincide with the delivery to Canberra of Australia’s first zero-emissions logistics vehicle for the emergency services - an FL Electric – to the ACT Emergency Service Agency.

The e-truck is a part of achieving the ACT Government’s net-zero emissions target by 2045, the statement said, adding that the e-truck and the partnership between Volvo Group and the ACT ESA was a milestone in the journey to achieve it.

Overhead shot of the FH Electric during the journey to Canberra. Supplied

Volvo Group Australia president Martin Merrick sai: “At Volvo Group we are always trying to push the boundaries to decarbonise heavy transportation faster. Today we have set a record for the longest electric truck journey in Australia.

"This is also the maiden voyage for the FH Electric which has only recently been able to get onto the road thanks to changes to width and weight restrictions.

"Recently announced provisional changes to front-axle weight restrictions have enabled this journey and have shown what is possible in terms of zero emission inter-city transportation, but we need to see permanent changes harmonised on front axle weight restrictions across every state and territory to accelerate next generation sustainable mobility and meet our climate targets.”

The statement said the FH-Electric would need to be charge fully a minimum of four times. Australia laws require that solo truck drivers take seven hours of stationary rest time after 12 hours of driving and the rest time will be used to charge the Volvo FH Electric Truck.

The e-truck used for this journey is the largest in Volvo’s range and one of the few OEM heavy duty electric trucks available in Australia capable of regional haulage with a range of up to 300km.

The vehicle gifted to ACT ESA will be used for logistics tasks. After initial Volvo driver development training and vehicle implementation processes, it is expected to go into operational service in early 2024.